Making our way into the Weston Studio, Itchy was delighted to see that this was to be a decidedly small-scale performance from the Hijinx theatre company. Of course, we love the glitz and glamour of high-end shows, but there's something refreshing about seeing a production in intimate surroundings, and this play was ideally suited to a low-key setting.
Old Hands follows the decline of music halls in the 1930s, with the rise of cinema eclipsing this once beloved form of entertainment. Running parallel to this is the tale of fading songbird Florry Labelle and her brother George, who has Down's Sydrome. Florry is draftedd in to turn around the fortunes of the failing music hall, but her cruel dismissal of her brother George 'Baby' Labelle (played by Gareth Clark) proves that she's far from an asset.
Andrew Tadd (as Mr Ralph Topper Junior) provided the audience with many laughs in his role as the surprisingly (for his fellow characters, at least) wise and slightly world-weary stage hand. He also has Down's Syndrome, and works to conclusively prove that he's much better at running a theatre than his aggressive boss Mr Gus Delamere.
Gus (played to villainous perfection by Adam Timms) was fantastic. He was by turns the funniest, the most aggressive, and the most representative of the waning era. Also, though, a little message direct to him – you look much younger in real life. We suggest a new headshot.
Fighting Timms for best in show was Gareth Wyn Griffiths as Mr Jimmy Pickles, an all-round star who effortlessly glided through the humour and the drama alike.
Old Hands was part of the Unity Festival held at the Millennium Centre. This was just one play of the international celebration of inclusive peformance. Other events included Anna Rothlisberger (Switzerland), Mind the Gap (England) and Danza Mobile (Spain). There were also other free performances, as well as workshops.
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